Lemon-Lime Soda & Upset Stomachs

Claire Plum has been a successful writer for more than 15 years. She is a columnist for a local magazine, publishes a small newspaper and is the author of a children's book series.

Lemon-lime soda helps you hydrate when you are under the weather.
Photo Credit: Andreas Argirakis/iStock/Getty Images

A variety of remedies can treat stomach maladies. Depending on the condition, you may already have one treatment in your pantry: lemon-lime soda. Lemon-lime soda has a long history of use in easing upset stomachs. For temporary relief of an upset stomach caused by indigestion, excessive alcohol consumption or the stomach flu, this simple carbonated beverage can help ease the discomfort. However, consult a physician for on-going pain.

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Ingredients in Lemon-Lime

Carbonated water, extracts of lemon and lime and sugar or high fructose corn syrup are the basic ingredients in most lemon-lime sodas. Carbonated water assists in hydrating the body when dehydration occurs from excessive alcohol consumption or stomach sickness. The carbonation found in this soda can also ease symptoms of indigestion. Consume high fructose corn syrup in moderation. The body metabolizes this ingredient more slowly, which could lead to weight gain. When you are sick to your stomach, especially if you are not keeping food in your system, consume up to three 8-ounce servings per day. If you are not sick, drink no more than one 8-ounce serving of soda a day, or avoid sugary drinks and stick to water. Purchase all-natural brands of lemon-lime soda made with filtered carbonated water and sugar to avoid high fructose corn syrup, but still consume in moderation.

Easing Indigestion

Indigestion, often caused by overeating, is one of the most common reasons for having an upset stomach. Gas, bloating and belching are symptoms that cause discomfort. Though the carbonation in lemon-lime soda may help you burp, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases notes that avoiding carbonated beverages may help ease your symptoms of indigestion.

Treating Hangovers

Excessive alcohol consumption leading to a hangover can cause nausea, making it difficult to keep food and calories in your system. Drinking excessively blocks the liver from releasing glucose into the bloodstream, which results in a drop in blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Drinking lemon-lime soda during a hangover can provide quick glucose to the system, regulating blood sugar levels and reducing abdominal pains. Glucose also helps the body burn alcohol more quickly, thereby assisting in recovery from a hangover.

Rehydrating Your Body

If you are experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain for more than a day, you may be suffering from viral gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu. Since the body needs calories to aid in recovery from sickness, and food is not likely to stay down while suffering from the stomach flu, lemon-lime soda can give temporary relief and calories until the body is ready to hold down nutrients. Re-hydrating the body during a bout with the stomach flu is essential to recovery. By consuming lemon-lime soda and avoiding caffeinated drinks, the body can rehydrate more quickly.